Force India announce continuation of McLaren partnership

Force India have today announced an extension to its technical partnership with McLaren Applied Technologies until the end of the 2012 season.

The agreement, which began in 2009, means that the Silverstone-based team will continue to receive gearboxes and hydraulics from McLaren.

In addition, Force India have also announced the appointment of a new technical director. Andrew Green is promoted from his current role of director of engineer and will oversee development of the new VJM04, which is set to be launched next week.

Green was at Jordan GP – the team that eventually became Force India – when it began in 1990. He joined BAR in 1998 and later moved on to become head of R&D at Red Bull Technology in 2004, before rejoining his current team in July 2010.

‘I am very pleased to formally confirm Andrew will step up to become the team’s technical director,” said Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal. “He knows the team inside out, both from his previous tenure with the team and through his position this year. I am also delighted to be able to give Andrew and his team the stability and opportunity to take us forward with the extension to the McLaren Applied Technologies contract.

“The partnership with McLaren and Mercedes has matured into one of the most successful relationships on the grid. In 2009 we scored 13 points, one pole position and one podium and in 2010 we secured our highest-ever championship position and 68 points overall. I’ve always said I would like to see a Force India on the podium at the Indian GP and I believe we have the resources, both human and technical, to do it.”

Martin Whitmarsh, whose McLaren team are today launching their 2011 challenger, said that he and his team were pleased to be part of the rise of Force India and that the partnership continues.

‘I’m delighted that we’ve been able to extend the programme of co-operation between McLaren Applied Technologies and Force India,” said the McLaren team principal.

‘Force India has continued to develop as a team during the 2010 season, and to improve year on year its competitive position, and we’re pleased that McLaren Applied Technologies has played a key part in that performance.’